How unbearable is the pain of delivery ?

Question

'Cause honestly, that's all I think about ... I'm due at the end of January with my first

Answer 1

It hurts. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I will also say this, though. Women have babies, and go on to do it more than once. It's painful, but it's a very bearable pain. If you're terrified of being in that much pain, though, might I suggest an epidural? Just knowing that you have the option there will go a long ways in alleviating any fears of pain that you have. Hell, you may not even need it.

Once it's over, though, you'll forget about how bad it hurt. You'll remember that it hurt, but that's about it. Don't let this ruin the rest of your pregnancy. Your body was made for this.

Answer 2

It is all about the way you handle the pain. When I had my child I was only 20 and I did not know what to expect, but I have always thought that I have had a pretty high tolerance for pain. I used to get my teeth worked on without Novacaine because I hated needles.

I was able to get through labor and delivery with only two doses of pain meds (to take the edge off). No epidural. And I'm a small girl. The doctor even had to use a vaccuum to pull my daughter out.

It's quite the experience, my mom was awesome through the whole thing, she helped me so much.

So anyway, to answer your question.....get yourself an awesome coach whom you feel will be able to keep you calm. Educate yourself on epidurals, and then make the decision...do I want an epidural or not. And if you have to get an epidural then get an epidural. A lot of women feel that if you don't have to stand the pain of child birth then why should you put yourself through that??

Good Luck...I hope this helps.

Answer 3

If it was that bad, the world would have died out long ago.
Have you ever been severly constipated to the point you felt your rear end was going to split in two? It's kinda like that except throw in a few extra stomach cramps.

A lot of the labor and delivery will depend on how the child is facing. All three of my kids were different.
First was face down and labor hurt like crazy. I had a spinal block.
second kid was faced sideways. I felt like someone was ripping my bladder out of me and it was rather painful when his head popped out but I was sitting crosslegged on the bed 20 mins after I had him and felt no after pain. A draw back to using drugs is the after pain is a whole lot worse.
Third kid was born face up. I slept through my hard labor (the part most women are trying to rip their husband's throat out) but my back felt like it was going to break in two during the delivery.
I always thought the pregnancy was worse then the labor. At least you know that it's going to be over soon and you'll be holding your little one in your arm.
I had problems with my 2nd and 3rd child and almost lost them. I've always wondered if my fear for them didn't overshadow the pain I should have been feeling.
Just don't think about it too much. When you're right in the middle of it, you'll realize how perfect nature is. Women are able to draw up a strength to get through it that we couldn't have possibly known we had.
Good luck to you and have a healthy and safe delivery.

Answer 4

I think that the fear of the unexpected is the worst. I had two unmedicated, completely natural births. I was induced with pitocin with my first and was in "labor" for 32 hours from start to finish. My second was not induced but was turned the wrong way (posterior) and I was in labor for 16 hours. Did it hurt? Yep! But it wasn't unbearable either. If you decide not to get an epidural, you are usually are free to move around and change positions. Lying on your back makes it more difficult and longer for labor. I found that when the pain seems to be at it's worst, usually means that the head is right there. I used a method called hypnobirthing to help me relax. I would recommend reading up on it if you are thinking of taking advantage of all the benefits of going natural.

Answer 5

It depends on the woman, the attending and what your pain management strategy is. I've had three children natural childbirth and each one was different because of the environment and the support I got from the staff at the hospital.

My best advice to give is don't be afraid. Get a relaxation plan going and decide that when you've had enough, call for the pain meds.

Whatever pain you experience? That baby in your arms after is very worth everything you've gone through!

Answer 6

I gave birth totally naturally (no meds/interventions) and it wasn't nearly as bad as everyone said it was going to be. If you take it one contraction at a time you'll be fine. I was terrified for the last couple of months of labor pain... and the horrible stories some women LOVE to share don't help! :o) Don't worry. It isn't painless... it's definitely not something that I'd want to do every day... but it is bearable and you will be fine. Remember to stay hydrated and walk around as much as you can (helps to speed things along). If you feel it is too much than you can opt for pain relief (although interventions do sometimes cause a domino affect and increase your chance of a c-section). You can do it! :o) Believe me... if I can... so can you. I didn't even take birthing classes... I just made sure to have a good support partner (my hubby was great... stayed with me the whole time... very important!!) and if you can I'd recommend you get in touch with a doula. I had one and she was great... rubbed me back and feet, recommended different positions to help speed things along, etc. Plus, having an experienced woman around really helps you to feel more calm/safe/understood.

Best wishes. And congratulations on your forthcoming arrival!

Answer 7

At the time you think it is unbearable, but it is and many thousand of women have lived through it. It will be OK. Don't worry. You need to practice now, relaxing breathing exercises. I can't believe your doctor didn't refer you to a Lamaze class, for natural births. It is pain full, but not life threatening. Focus on your child's well being and not your pain.

Answer 8

Don't believe the ones saying it's tolerable.. LOL! I have had 2 so far (one just a year ago) and trust me, it's horrible. I was literally crying it hurt so bad (my epidural wore off so I felt it all.)

We have a mechanism that makes most women forget the pain of childbirth, or else nobody would ever do it again. Unfortunately I am one of the weird ones and I remember every single thing.

It's like pooping out a bowling ball... seriously.

Answer 9

Each labor and delivery is different, no one can predict how yours will be. My first was painful, but short. The second was fairly easy, but took many hours. Don't be afraid to ask for the epidurals if you need them. Congrats on your baby.

Answer 10

You know what?! Everyone told me labour and delivery was the worse thing in the world. some women said they wouldnt wish it on anyone, some said they thought they were being split in half. Screaming and crying and the works. Well to be honest I found it to be cinch. Labour pains is just like your menstrual cramps just a bit more intense, and the pressure to push is (pardon the pun) is like having to take a good Sh@#! lol you have nothing to worry bout!